How to Open a Can without a Can Opener
You’re dying to sink your teeth into those canned peaches, but you find yourself without any can opener. At times like this, many people would easily give up, but not if you know alternate methods to do this task. Here are several ways to do it without a can opener.
What You’ll Need:
Hammer and nail
House or car key
Drill
Metal saw
Rock
Flat surface
Knife
The Hammer And Nail Method
One of the fastest and most efficient ways to open a can without an opener is by using a hammer and nail. Here’s what to do.
Find a nail that’s in good condition, and does not have any rust on it. Sterilize it by letting it stand in a burning hot flame for a few minutes.
Hold the nail against the top of the can, just by the edge. Using the hammer, give a few taps on the head of the nail, until you punch through it. You must only penetrate the can, and not totally put the nail through it.
Repeat this around the can’s surface, until the lid comes off.
If you have liquid inside the can (like evaporated milk or canned juice), just make a couple of holes, one on each side of the can. You can then pour out the content.
A Key Is The Key
So the only thing you have around that’s hard enough to make dents on the can is your house or car key. Surprisingly enough, even this can open the can. Just go around the can, creating close punctures. You’ll need plenty of strength for this. Eventually, the can’s surface will be soft enough to go through. Be careful when you use the key, though, or it might break, causing bigger problems for you.
Use A Metal Saw
It’s not the cleanest tactic, but sawing through the can with a metal saw will do the trick. Turn the can on its side, then get a metal hacksaw. Carefully slice through the can’s top. Be very careful with this procedure; canned surfaces can be slippery, and you might end up hurting yourself.
Drill It
This is just like the hammer and nail tactic, where you’ll make numerous holes around the can’s surface. It’s quicker and less tiring. Remember to sterilize the drill bit before you begin, though.
Try It With A Knife
Knives are sharp enough to penetrate the surface of a can. Using this tool can be dangerous, though, so be very careful when you do this.
Put down the can on an even surface.
Get a medium-sized knife (preferably one used for cutting meat), then put its tip against the surface of the can. The sharp part should be facing away from you. Hold the knife at its handle, using one hand.
With a few taps, make the knife penetrate into the can. The blade will cut through the can’s surface.
Hold the handle, then move the knife in a swinging up and down motion, like you’re slicing through the metal. Be very careful and do this slowly, so the knife won’t slip.
Use A Rock As A Last Resort
If all else fails, use a rock. Lay the can on the ground then pummel with a rock. After some good whacks, a hole will form on the surface, big enough for you to access the food. Scraping the can also works, to wear the aluminum out.
Nothing should get in the way of your hunger, not even the absence of a can opener. Try any of these tactics, and you’ll soon find yourself enjoying the yummy contents of the can. Be careful not to spill the food!